Benevolence and Forward Planning
In the heart of the village, where whispers carried on the breeze and the sun cast long shadows, Wang Chunhua's voice cut through the air like a sharp blade. "You are so broken mouths, be careful of retribution!" she admonished, her words tinged with a bitter edge as she turned on her heel and marched homeward.
Her daughter, Wang Chunhua, trailed behind, her tear-streaked face a mirror of her mother's frustration. Inside their modest home, the silence was broken by the muffled sounds of scolding and sobbing, a grim reminder of the struggles that plagued their daily lives.
Across the way, Mrs. Li observed the scene with a heavy heart. Though her empathy tugged at her conscience, she knew she could offer no refuge to Wang Chunhua's daughter. With five children of her own to feed and care for, her resources were stretched thin. Resolute in her decision, she vowed to focus solely on her own offspring, sparing little thought for the plight of others.
Yet, in the depths of her soul, a flicker of compassion remained. When hunger gnawed at the little girl's belly, Mrs. Li would extend a helping hand, offering a meager portion of food to ease her suffering. But beyond that, she dared not venture, bound by the harsh realities of her own circumstances.
Amidst the lively chatter and clinking of utensils, the aroma of Mrs. Li's culinary creations filled the air, enticing even the most reluctant of appetites. The villagers gathered around the communal table, their expressions alight with anticipation as they savored each mouthful with relish.
In the midst of this jubilant scene, Huo Zirui, a usually reserved figure, surprised everyone by partaking heartily in the feast before him. His mother, Jiang Lixia, beamed with pride at the sight, her joy palpable as she exchanged glances with Lin Yanfen.
As the festivities continued, the matriarch of the Li family, a woman of quiet resolve and hidden depths, discreetly approached Huo Zirui with a red envelope in hand. With a tender smile, she sought to bestow upon him a token of her maternal affection. Yet, Huo Zirui's response caught her off guard, his refusal resolute and unwavering.
Undeterred by his unexpected resistance, Mrs. Li persisted, her insistence fueled by a mother's unwavering love. "You child, let you take it back, take it back, what nonsense? Take it quickly!" she urged, her voice tinged with urgency.
But Huo Zirui remained steadfast, his determination unshakeable as he stood his ground. "I don't, this is Fubao's. I won't accept it. I will keep it for her! Maybe it will be a betrothal gift for me to marry her in the future!" he declared, his words laced with a hint of playful mischief.
With a mixture of amusement and bewilderment, Mrs. Li watched as Huo Zirui confidently strode towards Jiang Lixia, his hands clasped behind his back in a gesture of self-assurance. In that moment, amidst the laughter and camaraderie of the celebration, a spark of possibility ignited—a fleeting glimpse of a future yet to unfold.
Mrs. Li's mind whirled with a mixture of amusement and disbelief at Huo Zirui's audacious declaration. A betrothal gift? The notion seemed absurd, yet there was a glimmer of admiration for the boy's long-term vision. With a resigned shake of her head, she contemplated the complexities of childhood whims and future aspirations.
Meanwhile, nestled in Lin Yanfen's embrace, Fu Bao's innocent gaze met Huo Zirui's, sparking a moment of mutual recognition that sent a shiver down her spine. There was something in the way he looked at her—a predatory gleam that belied his tender years, leaving her feeling oddly vulnerable in his presence.
Yet, as the afternoon waned and the festivities drew to a close, the joyous atmosphere of the celebration overshadowed any lingering concerns. The villagers departed with laughter and well wishes, oblivious to the drama that had unfolded earlier in the day.
As the last of the guests bid their farewells, Jiang Lixia and Huo Zirui lingered behind, reluctant to part ways. Despite the late hour, Huo Zirui's reluctance to leave was palpable, his gaze lingering on Fu Bao with an intensity that did not go unnoticed.
Jiang Lixia chuckled at her son's evident attachment, teasing him with a playful suggestion. "Son, do you like Fu Bao so much? Just stay here and be her child husband, and your mother will come back for you."
Expecting a playful denial, Jiang Lixia was taken aback when Huo Zirui nodded without hesitation. His agreement, though unexpected, spoke volumes of the bond that had formed between him and Fu Bao—a bond that transcended mere childhood fancy and hinted at a deeper connection waiting to be explored.